Costa's (Tarpon Springs, Florida)

By way of a recommendation, while visiting Tarpon Springs we went to Costa’s for lunch three years ago. We found ourselves in that neck of the woods again and went back for a second time (and I believe we each ordered the same thing that we did three years prior).

There is a “no frills” ambiance, but also the feeling that this place has been around for a while consistently serving authentic Greek Food that keeps people coming back for more. At peak times there can be a wait, and although the staff is small they seem to have what they do down to a science. This being said if you are in a hurry I would advise telling them up front to bring your check when they deliver your food.

Speaking of their Food I decided to get a little of everything by ordering the Greek Combo Platter (Mousaka, Pastitsio, Gyro Meat, Dolmades and Tsatsiki Sauce $16.99).

This came with plenty of Bread and Butter,

As well as my choice of Soup or Salad, where I opted for the Lemon–Chicken–Orzo Soup.

The platter was good. Both the Mousaka and the Pastitsio were decent, not the best I have ever had, but good. The generous portion of Gyro Meat was slightly too greasy for me, but the flavors were spot on. I could have cared less about the Dolmades, but the Tsatsiki was also very fresh and very tasty.

My friend had a big platter of Seafood consisting of Smelt and Octopus and he was thrilled, claiming it to be so fresh. I don’t eat Seafood, but he sure liked it.

I had a gracious plenty to take home with me, which made for some great midnight snacking. I think that the next time we go to Costa’s I will try something else, probably their Spanakopita.

Se7en Bites Bakery

Se7en Bites Bakery is located on Robinson and Primrose where Spooky’s Black Cat Café use to be. If you remember Spooky’s you won’t believe the makeover this building has had. Now it has a fresh, clean environment, and a definite feel of “Girl Power” as you walk through the door, however it is their food that has stirred up quite a buzz lately.

Only open for Breakfast and Lunch, their menu has some staples on it but also changes a little bit each day. They specialize in both Sweet (Cookies, Cakes and Pies) and Savory (Sandwiches, Scones and Breakfasts).

I hear complaints of how small their portions are and how high their prices are.

I see what they are talking about because it is almost $9 for one of their Chicken Pot Pies and it is rather small (I would guess 4 inches across), however I can also report that this is probably the best tasting Chicken Pot Pie that I have ever had. It was made with high quality ingredients (and lots of love – and Yes! You CAN taste that), and was so gosh-darn satisfying that I didn’t mind its small size.

This place is called Se7en Bites after all.

I have also had their Meatloaf Sandwich with Mashed Potato Schmear, which was also very unique and quite delicious.

I have had a couple of their Dessert Pies, and although they are very good they are a little too rich and heavy for my taste buds. For someone who is a true Dessert-Lover they would be in Heaven.

I would rather be on the simpler side of things and take home one of their Cookies. They still give me a nice sweet finish, but don’t seem to be such a commitment.

I do agree with some of my fellow reviewers of the slightly-too-high prices, however as with most things in life you get what you pay for. If you have a few extra dollars to spend then by all means go to Se7en Bites and enjoy (You will love the freshness and the homemade-ness of whatever you decide to order), but if you are going to complain about the prices then you would be better off staying home.

Cafe' Perks

I love a good Greasy Spoon-Style Diner. I have often driven by Café Perks on Orange Blossom Trail and thought about stopping. I recently purchased a Groupon, which gave me the perfect excuse to give them a try, and I liked it so much that I have already been back a second time in less then two weeks.

They serve Breakfast and Lunch seven days a week. The atmosphere is basic and simple. Their menu is what you would expect from a typical Diner. The servers are friendly. Their prices are extremely reasonable, especially for the portions size.

Why go here you ask? Because earlier today I got what is probably the best Patty Melt I have ever had, with two sides for just $6.99, that’s why.

The Fries were crispy – just the way I like them. It normally comes with Coleslaw (not a fan) so they gave me a generous portion of Applesauce instead. The Patty Melt was perfectly toasted/melted, the Patty was thick, juicy and flavorful, and it was all sandwiched together with just the right amount of Cheese and Grilled Onions.

My friend ordered the Open Face Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Cottage Cheese and he said it was really good as well.

I have also ordered the Bacon and Cheese Omelette (with Home Fries and Toast), which was a steal for $5.99.

If you are looking for some “good ole” greasy comfort food at great prices you will like Café Perks!

IKEA

OK, I’m not actually going to take the time to write a “Restaurant Review” for the café at IKEA.

Rather I will write a simple statement saying that part of the charm of shopping there is to have some of their reasonable priced Swedish Meatballs. I realize they are mass-produced, but they still taste pretty good. Their Veggie Cakes are pretty good as well.

That’s all.

The Lady and Sons (Savannah, Georgia)

I am indeed a Paula Deen fan, however when doing my research on where to dine while I was in Savannah every review I read said “Skip The Lady and Sons and eat at Mrs. Wilkes”. Originally I had intended to do just that. We ate at Mrs. Wilkes and enjoyed it, but on the last day we were heading out of town and decided to still give The Lady and Sons a try to compare for ourselves.

What we discovered was very interesting, and I am happy to share my review with you.

Located on the corner of Congress and Whitaker in Downtown Savannah, The Lady and Sons is a large three-story building that has had quite a history of success as Paula Deen has risen to fame and notoriety.

Upon walking in you are sent to the hostess stand while you wait for them to have a table ready for you. The waiting area opens up into the store next door where they sell Paula Deen Cookbooks, Cookware and other Chotchkie. It only took them a couple of minutes to call our names and we were then given a ticket, sent to the elevator and told to give our ticket to the lady on the third floor.

Once we arrived the third floor hostess took us to our table in the packed dining room. Our server brought us our drinks while another girl came around with a Cheddar Garlic Biscuit and a Hoe Cake for everyone. After consuming these two baked delicacies I already liked the Food here a little more then Mrs. Wilkes.

We briefly looked at the menu but knew that we were both just going to get the Southern Buffet ($15.99)

I noticed that there were not a lot of Meat dishes on the Buffet other then Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken and one Seafood Dish, however I mostly wanted the Sides and there was plenty to choose from.

I piled my plate with a Fried Chicken Breast, Mac N Cheese, Collard Greens, Green Beans with Potatoes, Lima Beans, Corn Casserole, Mashed Potatoes and Black Eyed Peas.

Other then the Chicken Bones I pretty much cleaned my plate and I really enjoyed everything I tried. I did think the Black Eyed Peas were a little too vinegary for me, however that had been my favorite dish from Mrs. Wilkes the day before so I was probably just comparing the two. I can also state that as far as every other dish goes I actually prefer The Lady and Sons version.

(I understand why people like the experience of Mrs. Wilkes but for ME the Food was better here, the line was much shorter, and the price was about the same when you take in to account the drink)

The Fried Chicken (which I am very picky about) was delicious – a crispy outer coating and tender and juicy inside. The Mac N Cheese was ooey-gooey and super-cheesy. The Corn Casserole was the perfect cross between Corn Bread and Creamed Corn.

Even the Salad Bar was pretty good offering Artichoke Hearts, House-Fried Croutons and Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing.

Our server reminded us that Dessert was also included and we should save room. Then he brought around a tray and we had our choice between Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding and some Fudgy Chewie Brownie/Blondie Thing (Sorry I don’t remember what they actually called it).

We selected both the previously mentioned Brownie/Blondie as well as the Banana Pudding. I tried both and was impressed by each one, both very decadent in different ways. Thank God the portions weren’t too large because we were both stuffed at this point.

So all in all I am quite impressed with The Lady and Sons, and I honestly can’t understand why people give it sub-par reviews.

Perhaps though it was a good thing that I went in to it with little expectations, because that way it really shined in my mind… and I will recall it with good memories of a great experience.

Leopold's Ice Cream (Savannah, Georgia)

Leopold’s Ice Cream (which is approaching it’s 100 year anniversary) is located on Broughton Street in historic Savannah. All of their flavors are made on the premises and they only use the best all-natural hand picked ingredients.

Not wanting to over-indulge, we each got a small cup, single scoop (one Tutti Frutti and one Chocolate Raspberry Swirl).

The flavors and richness of their Ice Cream was like nothing I have ever experienced before and you could really tell they use top-notch ingredients.

This is not the place for the lactose-intolerant!